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Consumer Support Resources - Financial Regulation

Maryland has many nonprofit and public service agencies that directly assist consumers who are in need of legal or financial advice related to credit, debt, loans, or other financial products.
 
Government agencies are a trustworthy source of information – all of the federal financial services regulatory agencies have online tools and resources for consumers looking to learn more about banking and the financial services industry, or in search of guidance on managing their own personal finances.

Consumer Legal Assistance and Financial Counseling

The resources listed below can assist consumers with finding legal services and financial counseling near them. Please note that our Office is not directly affiliated with these organizations.

  • Maryland HOPE Hotline: 1-877-462-7555
    The Maryland HOPE hotline provides referrals to local nonprofit agencies that offer housing counseling or legal services to help Maryland residents who are at-risk of foreclosure or eviction. Some of these agencies also provide credit counseling, homeownership counseling for new homebuyers, financial capability classes, and other services. The HOPE hotline and housing counseling network are supported by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
     
  • Maryland Courts Self-Help Center: 410-260-1392
    The Maryland judiciary offers free legal help in civil non-criminal cases for individuals who do not have a lawyer. Assistance is provided in-person, over the phone, or via online chat, and more information and resources are available on the Maryland Court Self-Help Center website.
     
  • 2-1-1 Maryland: 211
    2-1-1 Maryland is a statewide online and telephonic (dial 211) resource that connects citizens to a variety of services, including legal and tax services, housing and shelter, utility assistance, and many other social support and health resources.
     
  • Maryland Legal Services – Find Legal Help
    The Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) has an online legal services directory of MLSC-supported nonprofit agencies that provide free or low-cost legal services for civil (non-criminal) matters, including help with debt collection lawsuits, foreclosure cases, bankruptcy, consumer fraud and exploitation, and more. Please be aware that these agencies may have income eligibility guidelines.
     
  • Maryland State Bar – Lawyer Referral Information
    Contact your local bar association for help finding a private attorney. Please be aware that you may be charged a fee for the services provided by a private attorney.
     

Federal Government Resources for Consumers

Federal agencies that regulate the financial services industry have useful, consumer-friendly information on their websites, covering topics such as credit, loans, debt, budgeting, avoiding scams, and planning for major life events like buying a home, paying for college, or planning for retirement.